What was the original name of La Catrina?

The original La Catrina was created in 1910 around the start of the Mexican Revolution by José Guadalupe Posada, a Mexican printmaker who created political cartoons. "The original name was La Calavera Gabancera," said Bertha Rodriguez, chief operating officer at San Francisco's Mexican Museum.

What is the origin of La Catrina?

The original La Catrina was created by Mexican Illustrator, Jose Guadalupe Posada as part of his series of satirical lithographs that addressed political and societal issues and were published for the masses in the Mexican press.

Who gave the name to La Catrina?

La Catrina was originally created by Jose Guadalupe Posada and later named and painted dressed up by Diego Rivera in one of his murals. It became an iconic figure in Mexican culture representing death and the way Mexicans face it.

What was the original purpose of La Catrina before she became a symbol?

Posada's original sketch of La Calavera Catrina was made around 1910. It was designed to be a satire referencing the high-society European obsessions of leader Porfirio Diaz, whose corruption led to the Mexican Revolution of 1911, and the toppling of his regime.

What does La Catrina represent now?

Today, La Catrina is integrated as an emblem of the Day of the Dead celebration in different ways. According to National Geographic, her elegant dress represents celebration, and her smile reminds us that there is comfort in accepting the inevitability of death and that the dead should be commemorated.

The True Origins Of La Catrina | Dia de los Muertos

What is La Catrina in English?

Noun. catrina (plural catrinas) An elegantly dressed skeleton figure; used as a symbol of the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, celebration.

Who is the Mexican Catrina?

La Catrina is a female calaca (skeleton) or calavera (skull), that is usually dressed up in fancy attire. Her striking image is one of the most recognizable Day of the Dead representations. But what is the story behind Mexico's elegant lady of death? Her origins might surprise you.

What does La Catrina symbolize in Mexican culture?

"Catrina has come to symbolize not only El Día de los Muertos and the Mexican willingness to laugh at death itself, but originally catrina was an elegant or well-dressed woman, so it refers to rich people," de la Torre said. "Death brings this neutralizing force; everyone is equal in the end.

What are the Mexican skeletons called?

A calaca (Spanish pronunciation: [kaˈlaka], a colloquial Mexican Spanish name for skeleton) is a figure of a skull or skeleton (usually human) commonly used for decoration during the Mexican Day of the Dead festival, although they are made all year round.

What is the meaning of Calaveras?

The calavera (a word that means “skull” in Spanish but that has come to mean the entire skeleton) has become one of the most recognizable cultural and artistic elements of the Day of the Dead festivities. Made from wood, paper maché, sugar paste, or carved bone, the colorful calavera are joyful, celebratory figures.

What is a Catrina tattoo?

Catrina tattoos present an excellent way to immortalize the most famous icon associated with Mexico's infamous Day of the Dead. The original illustration has been wowing onlookers for over a century with stylish simplicity that carries a distinctly Spanish flavor.

What is a sugar skull lady?

The sugar skull girl is an important symbol of the Day of the Dead. She represents girls who died at a young age and have come back to visit their parents when the spirits return to Earth on October 31 of each year. These pieces are decorated with colorful flowers, swirls, and butterflies.

What do Mexicans call sugar skulls?

This time of year, you see them everywhere: sugar skulls, or calaveras de azúcar. These intricately decorated creations are a well-known part of celebrations of Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

How did sugar skulls get their name?

In addition to being placed on alters, sugar skulls are often used to decorate the gravestones of the deceased. Their name comes from the clay molded sugar that authentic sugar skulls are made from, before being decorated with feathers, colored beads, foils and icing.

Who is the grand dame of death?

One of the most common symbols of Day of the Dead is the dressed up female skeleton called La Catrina.

What is Day of the Dead called in Mexico?

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death. While the holiday originated in Mexico, it is celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons). Learn how the Day of the Dead started and the traditions that make it unique.

What do marigolds represent in Day of the Dead?

Marigolds. Often called “flowers of the dead,” cempasuchil, or flor de muerto, these bright orange and yellow flowers' fragrance is said to attract souls to the altar. Their bright and cheery color also celebrate life instead of feeling bitter about death.

What do the colors mean on a sugar skull?

Red is used to represent our blood; orange to represent the sun; yellow to represent the Mexican marigold (which represents death itself); purple is pain (though in other cultures, it could also be richness and royalty); pink and white are hope, purity, and celebration; and finally, black represents the Land of the ...

What do skulls symbolize in Mexico?

What is so special about the skull? Well, the skull in Mexican culture represents death and rebirth, the entire reason for Day of the Dead celebrations. Local culture believes that the afterlife is as important if not more important than your life on earth.

What do Mexican skulls symbolize?

Since ancient times, Mexican people saw skulls as an important symbol of life. Only by accepting death and celebrating those who have passed can we become closer to life.

Is sugar skull cultural appropriation?

It doesn't have to be, but the answer will differ depending on who you ask. Both Merson and Maya ultimately feel that recreating skull makeup doesn't need to be strictly for Mexican people, but both agree that there is a fine line between appropriation and appreciation.

What does the skull with flowers mean?

A cold skull is a powerful symbol of death. Put a skull next to a flower in the Mexican way, and the meaning changes completely: the beauty, the balance and the joyfulness of the petals will transform the disquieting head into a new, cheerful symbol.

What is the flower skull called?

The “calavera” is usually an ornately decorated representation of a skull, often featuring flowers, animals, and other decorations. During the holiday, this imagery is seen everywhere, from Ofrendas, to paper crafts, and even to cartoons on newspapers.

What does a sugar skull tattoo mean?

The Meaning of Sugar Skull or Calavera

However, sugar skulls serve the purpose of honoring and celebrating the departed ones, the ancestors, and their lives. They also carry the meaning of rebirth into the next stage of life, which removes the sad and negative aspects of death.

What does a owl tattoo symbolize?

An owl tattoo can symbolize many things, including wisdom, mystery, and magic. In Native American cultures, owls are often associated with the afterlife and are considered spiritual guides.